Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan reiterates demand for opening of Ratna Bhandar

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday reiterated his demand the opening of Ratna Bhandar (treasure trove) of Srimandir in Puri.

Pradhan also demanded that the demolished mutts and other ancient architectures should be included in the heritage corridor project. The Union Minister gave the statement after availing darshan of the Holy Trinity during his Puri visit today.

“Ratna Bhandar of Srimandir in Puri should open soon as it is embedded with the sentiment of the Hindus. ASI is an eligible organisation to undertake construction activities. With Lord Jagannath’s blessings and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s good wishes everything will be in order,” said Pradhan.

Pradhan also reviewed the plan prepared by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for the repairing of Nata Mandap. He advised the ASI officials to remove the iron beams and install steel beams during repairing work.

During his Puri visit, the Union Minister took part in an international seminar at Sadashiv Sanskrit University. He also released the ‘Laxmi Purana’ book published in two languages.

During his Puri visit, the Union Education Minister laid the foundation stone for the new buildings of Sadashiv Sanskrit University to be built at a cost of Rs 100 crore. The University will have an eight-storey administration and education building, a five-storey building with a ladies' hostel, and a gents' hostel, each having 300 beds. This apart, staff quarters will also be constructed. These buildings will come up on the university’s 10-acre land near Talabania. 

He also informed that the central government has approved the funds for the project.

Meanwhile, reacting to the demand for opening of Ratna Bhandar, BJD MLA Umakanta Samantray said that everybody is excited for Shri Jagannath Heritage Corridor Project and we have to wait for proper time.

“Chief Minister never allows injustice to prevail. Everything is going on as per the order. We have to wait for the right thing to happen at the right time,” said Samantray.